Racial Differences in the Erosion of Psychological Resilience Following COVID-19 Related Financial Hardship

Abstract Objectives Research on the impact of COVID-19 among older adults has primarily focused on virus outcomes, but it is also possible the pandemic’s hardships have eroded the adaptive capacity of older adults. It is also likely these impacts vary by race and ethnicity. We examine changes in psychological resilience (PR) among older adults pre and post-pandemic to determine whether financial and social hardships have altered this resource for White, Black, and Hispanic older adults. Method Using the COVID module recently released by the HRS (n=735), we examined changes in PR between 2016 and 2020 related to specific COVID experiences. We tested interactions to determine whether the effects of these experiences were conditioned by race and ethnicity. Results Consistent with previous literature, resilience was relatively stable during this time on average. Financial hardship due to COVID-19 diminished resilience, but this effect was concentrated primarily among White Americans. PR was unchanged related to financial hardship among Black Americans. Discussion The results suggest that PR is a relatively stable resource in later life, even during a pandemic. However, this resource may be impacted in the face of specific and especially new challenges in later life. Policies and interventions related to job loss and financial hardship during the pandemic should be seen as supporting the capacity for older adults to adapt to current as well as future challenges.

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EARLY-LIFE MILITARY EXPOSURES AND HEALTH AMONG OLDER VETERANS: THE BUFFERING EFFECT OF PSYCHOLOGICAL RESILIENCE

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igz038.1167 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. S320-S320

Author(s):

Miles G Taylor ◽

Stephanie Ureña ◽

Dawn Carr ◽

Stella N Min

Keyword(s):

Functional Impairment ◽

Early Life ◽

Military Training ◽

Mail Survey ◽

Later Life ◽

Psychological Resilience ◽

Negative Consequences ◽

The Face ◽

Life Course Framework ◽

The Impact

Abstract Objectives Drawing on the life course framework and theoretical concept of resilience, we examine the impact of early-life service-related exposures (SREs) on later-life functional impairment trajectories among older U.S. male veterans. We conceptualize resilience as a psychological resource potentially moderating the lasting negative consequences of traumatic military exposures. Method Using the 2013 Veterans Mail Survey linked to the Health and Retirement Study 2006–2014 Leave Behind Questionnaire and RAND Data File (v.N), we estimate latent growth curve models of functional impairment trajectories. Results SRE to death has a persistent positive effect on functional limitations and activities of daily living limitations. Psychological resilience significantly moderates this association, such that veterans maintaining higher levels of resilience in the face of adverse exposures have considerably less functional impairment over time compared to their counterparts with low levels of resilience. Discussion Our findings point to the importance of psychological resilience in later life, especially within the realm of traumas occurring in early life. We discuss implications for current military training programs, stressing the importance of research considering individual resources and processes that promote adaptation in the face of adverse life events.

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Moderating Effect of Psychological Resilience on Functional Impairment in Relation to Subsequent Depression

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igaa057.1566 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 484-484

Author(s):

Shinae Choi ◽

Eun Ha Namkung

Keyword(s):

United States ◽

Older Adults ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Functional Impairment ◽

Later Life ◽

Well Being ◽

The United States ◽

Ordinary Least Squares ◽

Psychological Resilience ◽

The Impact

Abstract The growing prevalence of functional impairment is a serious concern due to its relation to decreased quality of life in later life. Guided by the social convoy model and the stress process model, the present study investigated whether psychological resilience, particularly optimism and mastery moderated an association between functional impairment and subsequent depressive symptoms in later life. This study used data derived from two population-based national studies in the United States: 2012 and 2016 waves of the Health and Retirement Study (N = 5,035) and 2004 and 2013 waves of the Midlife in the United States (N = 2,476). Ordinary least squares regression was used to estimate the impact of optimism and mastery, respectively, on the associations between functional impairment (baseline measure at wave(t-1), changes over the study period from wave(t-1) to wave(t)) on subsequent changes in depressive symptoms. Across both studies, we found that having and developing functional impairment are related to increased number of depressive symptoms. Optimism independently predicted decreased depressive symptoms over the study periods and buffered the negative effects of functional impairment on depressive symptoms across the two studies. Specifically, the mitigating effects of optimism on depressive symptoms were greater for those with more numbers of functional limitations. The findings suggest that psychological resilience plays a key role in decreasing depressive symptoms, especially for midlife and older adults with functional impairment. The results also demonstrate the importance of examining both optimism and mastery when investigating psychological resilience and emotional well-being in older adults.

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The Impact of Military Service Exposures and Psychological Resilience on the Mental Health Trajectories of Older Male Veterans

Journal of Aging and Health ◽

10.1177/0898264320975231 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 089826432097523

Author(s):

Stephanie Ureña ◽

Miles G. Taylor ◽

Dawn C. Carr

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Depressive Symptom ◽

Military Service ◽

Later Life ◽

Traumatic Experiences ◽

Psychological Resilience ◽

Previous Exposure ◽

Negative Consequences ◽

Symptom Trajectories ◽

The Impact

Objectives: We examine the impact of exposure to the dead, dying, and wounded (DDW) during military service on the later-life depressive symptom trajectories of male United States veterans, using psychological resilience as an internal resource that potentially moderates negative consequences. Methods: The Health and Retirement Study (2006–2014) and linked Veteran Mail Survey were used to estimate latent growth curve models of depressive symptom trajectories, beginning at respondents’ first report of resilience. Results: Veterans with higher levels of resilience do not have increased depressive symptoms in later life, despite previous exposure to DDW. Those with lower levels of resilience and previous exposure to DDW experience poorer mental health in later life. Discussion: Psychological resilience is important for later-life mental health, particularly for veterans who endured potentially traumatic experiences. We discuss the importance acknowledging the role individual resources play in shaping adaptation to adverse life events and implications for mental health service needs.

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Loving Others: The Impact of Compassionate Love on Later-Life Psychological Well-Being

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igaa057.1554 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 480-481

Author(s):

Eva Kahana ◽

Tirth Bhatta ◽

Boaz Kahana ◽

Nirmala Lekhak

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Negative Affect ◽

Positive Affect ◽

Emotional Support ◽

Later Life ◽

Well Being ◽

Psychological Well Being ◽

Compassionate Love ◽

The Impact

Abstract Existing scholarship in social gerontology has surprisingly paid little attention to broader loving emotions, such as compassionate and altruistic love, as potentially meaningful mechanisms for improving later life psychological well-being. This study examined the influence of feeling love toward other persons and experiencing love from others on later life psychological well-being. We conducted a 3-wave longitudinal study of a representative sample of 340 ethnically heterogeneous community dwelling older residents of Miami, Florida. The increase in feeling of being loved (β=-1.53, p<0.001) and love for others (β=-1.43, p<0.001) led to decline in odds of reporting greater level of depressive symptoms over time. The odds of reporting higher level of positive affect were significantly greater for older adults who reported feeling loved by others (β=1.16, p<0.001) and expressed love for other people (β=1.18, p<0.01). Older adults who felt loved had 0.92-point lower ordered log odds of reporting higher negative affect than those who reported lower level of love. The impact of compassionate love on depressive symptoms and negative affect remained statistically significant even after adjustment for altruistic attitudes and emotional support. The influence of loving emotions on positive affect was, however, explained by altruistic attitudes and emotional support. Our findings underscore the powerful influence of both receiving and giving love for the maintenance of later life psychological well-being. We offer support for the expectation that love is a significant force in the lives of older adults that transcends intimate relationships.

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Racial and Ethnic Differences in Response to Anticoagulation: A Review of the Literature

Journal of Pharmacy Practice ◽

10.1177/0897190019894142 ◽

2019 ◽

pp. 089719001989414 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Caitlin M. Gibson ◽

Wei C. Yuet

Keyword(s):

Racial Differences ◽

Race And Ethnicity ◽

Oral Anticoagulants ◽

Direct Oral Anticoagulants ◽

Ethnic Disparities ◽

The United States ◽

End Points ◽

Medline Search ◽

Drug Concentrations ◽

The Impact

Introduction: Anticoagulants are among the most frequently prescribed medications in the United States. Racial and ethnic disparities in incidence and outcomes of thrombotic disorders are well-documented, but differences in response to anticoagulation are incompletely understood. Objective: The objective of this review is to describe the impact of race and ethnicity on surrogate and clinical end points related to anticoagulation and discuss racial or ethnic considerations for prescribing anticoagulants. Methods: A PubMed and MEDLINE search of clinical trials published between 1950 and May 2018 was conducted using search terms related to anticoagulation, specific anticoagulant drugs, race, and ethnicity. References of identified studies were also reviewed. English-language human studies on safety or efficacy of anticoagulants reporting data for different races or ethnicities were eligible for inclusion. Results: Seventeen relevant studies were identified. The majority of major trials reviewed for inclusion either did not include representative populations or did not report on the racial breakdown of participants. Racial differences in pharmacokinetics, dosing requirements, drug response, and/or safety end points were identified for unfractionated heparin, enoxaparin, argatroban, warfarin, rivaroxaban, and edoxaban. Conclusions: Race appears to influence drug concentrations, dosing, or safety for some but not all direct oral anticoagulants. This information should be considered when selecting anticoagulant therapy for nonwhite individuals.

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MASTERY BELIEFS AND PRODUCTIVE LEISURE ACTIVITIES IN THE THIRD AGE

Social Behavior and Personality An International Journal ◽

10.2224/sbp.2003.31.7.643 ◽

2003 ◽

Vol 31 (7) ◽

pp. 643-656 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Erika Timmer ◽

Marja Aartsen

Keyword(s):

Strong Predictor ◽

Later Life ◽

Self Esteem ◽

Control Beliefs ◽

Third Age ◽

The Third ◽

Productive Activities ◽

Broad Concept ◽

The Face ◽

The Impact

In the present study we examined the associations between beliefs of mastery and 2 important kinds of productive activities in the third age: participation in education, and volunteering. Within the broad concept of mastery beliefs, differential aspects of self-regulatory cognitions were studied, that is, self-esteem, control beliefs, effort to complete behavior, persistence in the face of adversity, and willingness to initiate behavior. Effects of these aspects on carrying out activities were investigated and controlled for the impact of some situational and demographic factors. Findings suggest that a general sense of mastery, as reflected in self-esteem and control beliefs, is not a precondition for study and volunteering work in the third age. However, special components of self-efficacy turned out to play a part. Willingness to initiate behavior emerged as a strong predictor for taking on educational activities, as was persistence in the face of adversity for being active as a volunteer. In the discussion possibilities were looked at fpr how better to match productive activities in later life to personal dispositions.

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Television Viewing and Cognitive Dysfunction of Korean Older Adults

Healthcare ◽

10.3390/healthcare8040547 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 (4) ◽

pp. 547

Author(s):

Mi Sook Jung ◽

Eunyoung Chung

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Cognitive Dysfunction ◽

Cognitive Aging ◽

Significant Risk ◽

Multivariate Logistic Regression Analysis ◽

Later Life ◽

Significant Risk Factor ◽

Tv Viewing ◽

Increased Risk ◽

The Impact

This study examined the association between television (TV) viewing and cognitive dysfunction in elderly Koreans. Among participants of the 2014 National Survey of Older Koreans, 9644 were considered in this study. To better identify the association between two factors, propensity score (PS) matching with exact method was used. Finally, 168 viewers and non-viewers each were selected based on estimated PS on key variables and eliminating double matches. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed when controlling for possible covariates. Viewers were more likely to have cognitive dysfunction than non-viewers, with significant differences in most covariates. After correcting confounding effects of these covariates with PS matching, TV viewing was found to be a significant risk factor of cognitive dysfunction, along with absence of diagnosed hypertension and non-participation in physical leisure activities. TV viewing might be associated with increased risk of cognitive dysfunction in later life. Appropriate education and strategies to minimize TV viewing among older adults should be established to contribute to attenuating cognitive aging. More interventional studies can help older adults, caregivers, and healthcare professionals explore the cognitively beneficial alternatives to TV use considering the impact of socioeconomic factors of selecting TV viewing as a preferred leisure activity.

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SOCIAL ACTIVITIES AND DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS AMONG OLDER ADULTS IN MEXICO: IMPLICATIONS OF GENDER AND PHYSICAL HEALTH

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igz038.787 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. S215-S215

Author(s):

Maria Monserud

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Older Adults ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Physical Health ◽

Later Life ◽

Older Men ◽

Developed Countries ◽

Ordinary Least Squares ◽

Social Activities ◽

The Impact

Abstract Studies in developed countries indicate that social activities can make a difference in mental health in later life. Yet, research on potential benefits of social activities for older adults in developing countries, including Mexico, has been scarce. This study uses the two most recent waves (2012, 2015) of the Mexican Health and Aging Study to investigate the impact of social activities on depressive symptoms among older men (n = 4, 749) and women (n = 6,527), aged 50+, in Mexico. The results of Ordinary Least Squares regressions indicate that it is important to differentiate among specific social activities in later life. Particularly, not only group-based but also solitary social activities were predictive of better mental health. Moreover, the findings demonstrate several gender differences and similarities. Participation in clubs, communication with relatives and friends, physical exercise, and watching television were beneficial for mental health among men, whereas volunteering, playing games, and making crafts were associated with fewer depressive symptoms among women. At the same time, reading as well as doing household chores were related to better mental health among older Mexicans, regardless of gender. Furthermore, this study shows that self-reported health, functional limitations, chronic conditions, and frequent pain might shape the implications of social activities for depressive symptoms among older adults in Mexico. The insights from this study can be helpful for intervention programs that are being developed to promote benefits of group-based and solitary social activities for mental health among older men and women with different levels of physical health.

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Self-compassionate Aging: A Systematic Review

The Gerontologist ◽

10.1093/geront/gny108 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 59 (4) ◽

pp. e311-e324 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Lydia Brown ◽

Jeff C Huffman ◽

Christina Bryant

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Older Adults ◽

Psychological Symptoms ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Later Life ◽

Well Being ◽

Physical Symptoms ◽

Search Term ◽

Self Compassion ◽

The Impact

Abstract Abstract Background and Objectives There is considerable heterogeneity in experiences of aging, with some experiencing greater well-being and adapting more successfully to the challenges of aging than others. Self-compassion is a modifiable psychological skill that might help explain individual differences in well-being and adjustment in later life. The aim of this study was to systematically review the literature on self-compassion and well-being outcomes in studies of older adults aged 65 and older. Research Design and Methods This systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines, using databases PsycINFO, Medline, and Embase. The search term self-compassion was paired with terms relating to well-being, psychological symptoms, and adjustment. Meta-analysis was used to synthesize results on the relationship between self-compassion and four outcomes including depression, anxiety, hedonic well-being, and eudaimonic well-being. Results Eleven studies met inclusion criteria for this review. Meta-analysis revealed that self-compassion was associated with lower levels of depression (r = −.58, 95% CI [−.66, −.48]) and anxiety (r = −.36, 95% CI [−.60, −.07]), and higher levels of hedonic (r = .41, 95% CI [.15, .62]) and eudaimonic (r = .49, 95% CI [.41, .57]) well-being. Further, three studies found self-compassion weakened the impact of physical symptoms on well-being outcomes. Discussion and Implications We found preliminary evidence that self-compassion is associated with well-being outcomes in older adults, and that self-compassion may buffer the psychological sequelae of health symptoms in later life. Higher quality studies with uniform outcome measures are needed to replicate and extend these results.

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